Psalms 46

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah.  There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:1-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

What are you afraid of?  We all have our own answer to that question.  This Psalm, however, tells us that the correct answer from someone who trusts God should be: Nothing!  2 Timothy 1:7 proclaims that followers of Christ are not created to be afraid: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  When we allow fear to enter our lives, it means that we are not trusting our Heavenly Father; Fear does not come from God.  Fear is actually a tool that the enemy uses in an attempt to ruin our joy, peace and faith.  He uses fear to make us doubt the faithfulness, love, and power of God.  When we succumb to the lies of fear, it prevents us from experiencing the freedom of God’s love: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).  Fear may be subtle, where it causes us to be too afraid to act upon something that God has put on our hearts to do.  Fear can also make us irrational and dramatic because of uncertainty about the future.  Either way, giving in to fear shows lack of trust in Him.  The reality is that God knows that we will all face situations in life where we allow ourselves to be overcome by fear.  This is precisely why He reminds us and encourages us repeatedly throughout the Bible to “Fear not”.  Isaiah 41:10 says: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (NKJV).  No matter what is happening in our lives, we need to turn to God and trust in His goodness and His perfect plan.  Therefore, the key to overcoming fear, is total and complete trust in God.  We can also look at it this way: trusting God is refusing to give in to fear.  It will not always be easy.  The comforting thing to remember is that His help is “ever-present” (verse 1), so there is never a time that you are without God’s protection. 

Let Scripture encourage you and strengthen you in your times of weakness: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Hallelujah!!